Telework and DFWP Drug Testing During COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus COVID-19 a pandemic. In response to COVID-19, some federal agencies may be considering widespread telework arrangements within their agencies. The Drug Free Workplace Program (DFWP) has received questions regarding agency telework arrangements implemented as a response to COVID-19. Under normal circumstances, teleworking is a benefit and not a right. Therefore, a teleworking employee would be required to report to a drug testing collection site even when in a telework status. However, federal agency telework arrangements implemented as part of an agency’s plan to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic relate to a public health concern, and therefore, DWP defers to federal agency leadership regarding the extent to which drug testing in conformance with the agency’s drug testing plan can be performed during periods when federal employees are required to telework. The DFWP highly recommends that agencies consult with their Office of Human Resources, Office of General Counsel and other appropriate offices prior to making telework related drug testing collection and testing decisions.